Hong Kong (Gift Edition with signed letter)

Preface by Michel Bagot, translated and adapted from the original French by Virginia Pilbrow, Harry Rolnick and David Donaldson; Poems selected by Francisco Hidalgo and in some cases adapted from the original

Published by A. N. Iskaros, Hong Kong, 1980

First Edition ( 'First published 1980' ). A book of beautiful color photographs, 96 in total. This book may have been produced, or was simply gifted, to celebrate the Centenary of the opening of a New York office by The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. Inside the book there is a separate printed letter or brochure (see photo) that is signed by the Chairman of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Michael GR Sandberg. It states 'This volume of photographs by Francisco Hidalgo conveys much of the spirit of Hong Kong in 1980, and The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation presents this gift edition in the belief that those who know Hong Kong will enjoy it is a recollection, and those who have yet to visit Hong Kong will find it a stimulating introduction. I purchased this book some years ago from the home of John J. McCloy, the former Assistant Secretary Of War and US High Commissioner of Postwar Germany. He also served as the president of the World Bank, and chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank. He did not write his name in the book. Only one other Gift Edition is for sale on the Internet. It also has the brochure or letter, but is apparently not signed You can read about Baron Sandberg below. Only the Gift Edition of the book comes in a slipcase, which you can see in the photographs. The letters on the front cover and spine of the book are blind- stamped. The covers are clean. There is a thin horizontal crease down a little ways from the top edge of the spine. There is also a little crinkling off the top edge of the front side of the spine. The cover edges and corners are in excellent shape, no rubbing. There is a light bit of amber spotting on the top and bottom page edges. There is a light crease off the top edge of the front inside cover. The inside covers and end papers, front and rear, are black. A thin strip of the black paper near the top edge of the front inside cover was produced a little long, but could be trimmed off (I'd prefer not to be the one who does it). The book is very solidly bound from cover to cover with nicely tight pages and nicely tight covers as well. The pages are exceptionally clean. I don't see any toning despite there being on glossy paper. There is a vague semi-crease off the top edge of a few early pages. There are no placeholder creases. No markings. No attachments. And no writing of any kind. The dust jacket looks pretty nice. There are no edge tears. There is the same little bump/crease off the top edge of the spine and just adjacent. There is also a scratch down a little ways from the top edge of the front, and a tiny nick at the middle of the rear side of the spine. The flaps look very good. They are not priced or clipped. The red slipcase is in very solid shape. It has a few crinkles on both sides of the opening just below the top edge. If you want a few extra photos let me know. 'Michael Graham Ruddock Sandberg, Baron Sandberg, was executive chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation from 1977 to 1986. He first joined the bank in 1949. During his chairmanship the bank saw substantial international expansion, acquiring a 51% stake in Marine Midland Bank in the United States of America, establishing the Hongkong Bank of Canada in 1981 and HongkongBank of Australia Limited in 1986. As Chairman Sandberg was responsible for the construction of the landmark HSBC Main Building in Central, Hong Kong, which at the time was the most expensive building ever constructed in the world. Having been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1977[ and promoted to a Commander (CBE) in 1982, on retirement he received a knighthood for 'public services in Hong Kong.' In 1997 he was created a life peer in the House of Lords as Baron Sandberg of Passfield in the County of Hampshire.'. Seller Inventory # 005056

Bibliographic Details

Title: Hong Kong (Gift Edition with signed letter)
Publisher: A. N. Iskaros, Hong Kong
Publication Date: 1980
Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Book Design by Francisco Hidalgo with his photographs
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
Edition: 1st Edition